Kim has endless amount of knowledge, patience and excels at teaching! I have been taking lessons for two years weekly and have completed numerous sewing projects! Including a pageant gown, jumpers, skirts, coats, capes, tops,sundresses, hats, pillows, bedding and stuffed animals! Thanks to her guidance.

"This was my first time using Skype. I used the webcam in my laptop and a mic I had lying around. I think it was easier doing the class on Skype because I could see Kim doing the stitches better, Taking the class via webcam is so convenient!!!! It was super easy to schedule. I am definitely going to continue taking knitting classes via webcam with Kim...then crochet....."

• Ginnette M. January 31, 2013

"Taking the class via skype is a great option!!! It was my first time using skype, and it was super easy!!! I really liked doing the class via webcam. I used the webcam from my laptop and a $10 microphone I got from Walmart for a class. Take advantage of the free class to make sure the technology works. I really liked doing the class online. It seemed easier to see the stitches, and after one class I am knitting!!!!! I will be doing many more classes via webcam. It is so convenient!!! Kim is a great instructor. Once I get more practice knitting, I will begin crochet!!!! Check out her website to see some of her work. It is amazing. "

• Rhonda R. November 26, 2012

"She is a good instructor and would use again."

• Denise A. July 15, 2012

"Kim is very personable, very talented at designing, and very helpful at explaining. She designed a lovely sweater which I am crocheting. Since it is my first sweater, I was a bit confused about the schematic.

Kim met with me over Skype and explained things very well, informing not only my understanding about the pattern in question, but about crochet and garment construction in general.

She also took the time to answer questions about a random free scarf pattern I'd downloaded, and was able to look at the pattern for less than a minute, explain what was going on with it, and what I needed to look out for. It was very informative and reassuring.

Best of all, Kim gave me this lesson for free! I wish I lived in her area so I could take all her classes. If she ever gives an online one, I'll attend, for sure!"

• mea M. March 12, 2012

"I had the pleasure of taking a 4 week knitting class with Kim Kotary at 3rd ward in brooklyn, ny. I have taken many classes there and this one has been the best. It is clear that Kim is a professional textile expert (is that the right title?) and experienced instructor. She is extremely patient and helpful. She is also very friendly and a solid conversationalist - which is important when your sitting around for 3 hours at a time knitting together.

The class far exceeded my expectations. The class structure let me work at my own pace and choose which projects and subjects i wanted to learn to create. The class was small so there was a lot of personalized one on one instruction. In a 4 session class (each 3 hours) I learned knit, purl, stockinette, garter, ribbing, cable knitting, cast on, bind off, increase, decrease, how to read pattern, how to knit in the round and how to integrate additional colors into a project. I finished a ribbed scarf, cable knit hat, started two cowls and started mittens (with dpns!).

I highly recommend Kim Kotary. (I plan on taking private lessons with her in the future.)

"

• carole V. November 16, 2011

"Kim is the BEST!. I'm a first time Tunisian crocheter and being such I could not figure out the next step in the instructions. I emailed Kim and within a day she gave me the answer to my question. Having a senior moment I still didn't understand so once again I emailed Kim. Like the first time she quickly emailed me back and very patiently gave me detailed round by round instruction showing the "pattern" that was taking place. She is an excellent teacher and I would not hesitate to attempt any of her other patterns. "

• Amelia's M. October 29, 2011

"Kim was the best knitting coach for a girl's birthday party. She arrive on time and prepared with all the materials, and she was very patient with all of the kids. For most of the kids, it was their first time knitting. They all had a great time! I would highly recommend her for a private party."

• Jolie H. April 26, 2011

"Kim is a gifted and talented teacher with gobs and gobs of patience! I am really enjoying having her as a sewing teacher. In one try, she taught me to thread my serger and to be able to change thread colors....a feat that even my own sister could not do!

I totally recommend Kim!"

• Jolie H. April 19, 2011

"She is a wonderful teacher, knowledge and most patient! I enjoy every moment and never feel overwhelmed!

"

• Jolie H. April 5, 2011

"Truly fabulous! We will continue classes on a weekly or bi-monthly basis depending on schedules. I am looking forward to our next time of working together! She even has me putting together lists of projects in progress, projects with all supplies, and dream projects!"

• Susan M. March 14, 2011

"I am a new to crochet person and was having trouble figuring out how to read a pattern to assemble my first sweater. I contacted Kim through a crochet forum and she explained what I needed to do and just how to do it making what was a frustrating experience into a happy success.

I have no webcam or microphone so she did all this in writing (not so easy to do) and was endlessly patient and very kind.

I was just plain lucky, I hit the jackpot when I found her name and asked for help.

She was wonderful!"

• Katherine G. February 23, 2011

"I took class with Kim in Brooklyn and on the web via video chat. She's really good at explaining how to crochet! And she has a good sense of humor. I really enjoyed working with her--and best of all I actually learned how to crochet! I'm working on my second hat right now. Fun!"

• Erica F. September 30, 2010

"I highly recommend Kim Kotary as a crochet and knitting instructor. Her patience, knowledge, expertise, resourcefulness and kindness have no limit. She is extremely reliable and professional in every respect. "

I was crocheting the Granny Square Jacket from the Red Heart Pattern #WR1859. I've got the squares sewn together as shown on pattern, however, I cannot figure out how to layout the back, front, and sleeves to sew them together. Do you have a chart available for that process? It wasn't listed on www.redheart.com website. Thank you,

My Reply:

There is a schematic on the second page of the pattern.The single square on the sleeve folds diagonally to make a gusset.On some sizes, the squares at the side seam have to be eased in.

I am making your purple texture(s?) cocoon for my SIL's baby (she's due in October, but the shower is next week!). I am useing the pattern out of Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet. I have never used a foundation chain, but that is not really the problem, it is the pattern I am having trouble understanding...here is how it is written: " Rnd 1 (RS) With Purple Mist (that is the color) work 32 foundation single crochet (Fsc); do not join. Place marker on first sc to indicate begining of rnds. Move marker up for each new rnd." I made all the fsc, but it looks like a chain...the pattern does not say to put all the fsc into one stitch? How is this supposed to be a round? I know several ways to start rounds, but have no clue where my mistake is with this pattern....By the way, the next Rnd starts out Ch 1, 2 sc in both loops of next sc (sc in front loop only of next sc, sc in back loop only of next sc).....

Dana,

It sounds like you are not totally getting the Foundation single crochet technique. When you work the 32 fsc it will be as tall as a row of single crochets worked into a starting chain. You also can't put 32 fsc into one stitch, that is not how they work.In this case, the round is an oval. It is worked like the toe of a toe-up sock. Instead of working into both sides of a chain, you work into the base of the fsc for the second half of the round.

The next round begins the first texture pattern. The increase are worked under both loops of the sc as you would work a normal stitch then the texture is worked in alternating front and back loops.

I have attempted Purple Textures from Dreamy Cocoons, 3 times, and cannot figure out the start. If yoy don't join, do you turn and go back with the sc's to end up with 32? Also, even after I started as best I could, the increases didn't seem to fall in the correct places.

Response:

Faye,The first thing you should do is get familiar with how to do foundation single crochets.There are some good videos on Youtube.These videos clearly shows how to work the stitch:

It is possible to work in rounds without joining or turning. It actually creates a spiral. It is great for sc in rounds because joining with a sl st make a distinctive ridge in your work. Just place a marker in the last stitch of the round to help follow the pattern.

When you work foundation single crochets you are working the chain and the sc simultaneously. When you YO and pull through 1 loop, you create the chain. When you YO and pull the 2 loops you create the sc. So in Rnd 1 of the Purple textures cocoon, you work 15 Fsc. Then rotate the work to work into the ch of the last fsc made. The directions tell you to sc in each ch across. So you will be working into the bottom edge of your 15 fsc. (This bottom edge will be on the left side of your strip of fsc if you work with your hook in your right hand).

When you start rnd 2 you will work into the top of the single crochets.

If this is still confusing to you, please feel welcome to write back to me. I can try to explain it another way.

Kim

Cindy Wrote:

I have been crocheting for many years and I am currently trying to do purple textures (cocoon). I am having a very hard time with RND 2. I even took it to work and another crochet buddy is having a hard time with the instructions. I guess what I am asking is does RND 2 actually consist of 2 rows? marker from RND 1 is at the end with the marker please help decipher your pattern - thank you

Cindy,

I don't understand your question but the reply to Faye's question may help you.

The pattern is worked in continuous Rounds. There are no rows in this pattern.

Recently, a couple college students have contacted me. The first was a fashion design student who needed a crochet sample maker. The second was a student working on her BFA who is interested in textiles and lace - how cool is that. As I read over my reply e-mail to the BFA student, I realized I had elements of a mission statement forming. I wrote:

I can teach you to make many kinds of hand made lace and about the structures of machine made lace. I am fascinated by all things lace. If I could afford to specialize more in lace related things, I would. My masters degree is in Museum Studies: Costume and Textile History and Conservation. My research and studies includes representations of lace in art, styles and uses of lace, and technological developments of lace making from the beginning of time through the industrial revolution to the mid 20th century when handmade lace techniques became crafts or hobbies. I learn and teach hand skills and techniques so that the knowledge won't die.

I charge by the hour not by the student. You are welcome to coordinate a workshop and charge others to attend to cover my fees. I will custom design a workshop to suit your needs. I don't think of teaching the way professors do. I believe my students are customers paying for a service I am providing. I butted heads with a professor in graduate school who didn't teach me what I was paying to learn.

There isn't much lace making stuff up on my website because I can't afford to do things I'm not being paid to do. I gifted an incredible piece of Bedfordshire-Maltese style bobbin lace for a Van Dyke style c.16th century men's shirt collar. All I asked for in return was a photograph. I finished the lace in 2001 and I am still waiting on the photo.

Kim helped me sew a skirt for my daughter. She was very knowledgeable, very nice and took the time to find my building and neighborhood. Kim loves sewing and all textile work, and shares her knowledge and enthusiasm generously.

Joy Aug 18, 2013

Kim did a fantastic job teaching my daughter to sew. She saw it through beginning to end. I am extremely pleased with her service. Thank you.

Linda Aug 14, 2013

Kim is a great teacher.Her patient and easy to understand style is only complemented by her extensive knowledge.Even though I have been crocheting for decades,she added,in just our first lesson,things I have never done before.I am looking forward to our future lessons with so much enthusiasm.Have not yet seen anything in her teaching style that needs improvement.I think she has the confidence and professionalism to do all that she aspires to.Absolutely impressed!

Jane Jun 5, 2013

very friendly, very patient, sweet and informative. Definitely recommend!